Sail Canada/Voile Canada is happy to announce the appointment of Mark Asquith as a National Team Coach. Mark will take up his role on May 1st, joining the coaching team of Steve Mitchell, Erik Stibbe and Chris Cook, under the leadership of Sail Canada's High Performance Director Ken Dool.

Mark brings a wealth of sailing experience from his time on Team GBR, combining 11 years of top level campaigning in the 49er with coaching the GBR 29er team, as well as work with the sailing teams of Mexico, Sweden Bermuda and Canada.

Mark will take charge of the Canadian Sailing Team's Skiff program, developing campaigns in both the 49er and FX classes. He will be based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he will also act as Lead Coach for the Canadian Sport Centre, Atlantic as well as assisting the Nova Scotia Yachting Association with their High Performance program.

Chair of Sail Canada's Athlete Development Committee, Phil Gow, noted that strengthening the coaching team was identified as a key priority of Sail Canada's High Performance Strategy. 'Mark will bring an added dimension to high performance sailing for Sail Canada, Nova Scotia and skiff sailing. World class coaches are fundamental to competing effectively at the highest level.'

Sail Canada's High Performance Director Ken Dool said 'We are determined to enhance the coaching environment for our sailors. Mark's skiff class experience will undoubtedly raise the bar in the 49er and FX classes.'

Ken Bagnell, President, Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic, and Frank Denis, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Yachting Association, both expressed their delight at the appointment. Ken said 'the CSCA is pleased to welcome another world class coach to Atlantic Canada. The leadership from Mark will help our sailors achieve even greater success at the international level.'